Traffic citations only in crash that killed nursing instructor

LAS CRUCES — She faces traffic citations, but the woman accused of hitting a college instructor last month in a New Mexico State University crosswalk will not face more serious charges.

Local prosecutors declined to pursue any further charges, NMSU deputy chief Andy Bowen said Tuesday.

The 3rd Judicial District Attorney's Office did not respond to multiple phone messages seeking comment.

Catherine Parra, 22, cast a pall on the first day of classes Jan. 17 when she hit Dr. Lucy Montes-Sandoval, a popular nursing instructor at Doña Ana Community College, near the intersection of Knox and Stewart streets.

Montes-Sandoval died of what her husband called "severe head injuries" eight days later. She was 53.

In recounting the tragic crash, Parra told NMSU police she had looked down at the radio in her NMSU-owned car while turning from Knox Street to Stewart Street. She then saw Montes-Sandoval "roll off the hood of the car," according to the police report.

The most significant of Parra's citations was one for careless driving. A Magistrate Court spokeswoman and state statutes stated the maximum penalty for that misdemeanor is a $300 fine and 90 days in jail.

Parra entered a not guilty plea Friday. Neither she nor her attorney could be reached for comment Tuesday.

Students and employees, such as Parra, who use NMSU vehicles for their jobs must have current driver's licenses and NMSU driving permits.

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According to NMSU policy, an employee or student could have that permit suspended or revoked for failing to obey traffic laws while driving an NMSU vehicle.

Also, per policy, employees and students could be charged for damage to an NMSU vehicle if reckless driving caused it.

The police report estimated that the crash caused $400 of damage to the Taurus. Police noted it had two small dents on the hood.

Last week, more than 250 family members and friends gathered to honor Montes-Sandoval at her funeral. Students remembered her for supporting them after the DACC nursing program lost its accreditation last summer.

James Staley may be reached at 575-541-5476. Follow him on Twitter @auguststaley